Knowing is half the battle: Examining the association between acknowledgement of victimization and reporting of fraud

Abstract

Reporting victimization to the police or one’s bank is a crucial step for victims of fraud, but many victims of fraud do not acknowledge their experiences as constituting victimization. The study examines whether acknowledgement influences odds of reporting fraud to police and banks. Findings from a sample from the 2017 National Crime Victimization Survey’s Supplemental Fraud Survey (n = 540) indicate that acknowledgement is positively associated with odds of reporting to police and banks, while other factors were differentially associated with reporting to police and banks. Findings are discussed in light of research and policy implications as well as limitations.

Keywords

• Fraud
• Victim decision making
• Victimization acknowledgement
• Police reporting
• Fraud Justice Network